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Designation of protected areas has enjoyed global application as a means of biodiversity conservation for over 100 years. National conservation policy is essential as a means of protecting biodiversity, but is contingent on, amongst others, changing values and international drivers, and remains dynamic in many countries. As conservation policies evolve, the role of pre-existing protected areas within broader strategies for conservation can become unclear, with consequences both for the ability of the conservation policies to achieve their stated goals, and also for biodiversity outcomes within a nation. In order to map evolving inconsistencies between conservation policy and the role of protected areas within it, we develop a conceptual conservation policy framework synthesised from different policy orientations reported in the literature. Using South Africa as a case study, the conceptualisation is used to characterise the policy goals for protected areas in the recently adopted conservation policy, and the pre-existing protected areas system which remains on the statute books. The results indicate that the conceptual conservation policy framework can be used identify misalignment between policy and practice, and has enabled a mismatch to be identified between South Africa's pre-existing protected areas system and its contemporary conservation policy, which suggests that the management of protected areas is likely to significantly change towards greater access and monetisation at the expense of their intrinsic value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor psychosocial well-being, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and high anticipated stigma, complicates young South Africans' engagement with HIV care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the psychosocial well-being of young South Africans with HIV may have been impacted by changing levels of social support. This analysis sought to examine whether social support mediates the relationship between the pandemic and psychosocial well-being in young South Africans with HIV. This secondary analysis compared baseline data from two cohorts of young people ages 18–24 who tested HIV positive either before or during South Africa's COVID-19 State of Disaster. Baseline sociodemographic, social support-related, and psychosocial data were analyzed using linear regression and mediation analyses. We found that self-esteem was higher (χ2 = 9.955, p < 0.01) and anticipated stigma (χ2 = 22.756, p < 0.001) was lower in the cohort recruited during the pandemic. Perceived family social support was higher in the cohort recruited during the COVID-19 pandemic (χ2 = 38.69, p < 0.001). Family social support partially mediated the relationship between study cohort and self-esteem (Sobel z=-3.04, p = 0.002), family- (Sobel z=-4.06, p < 0.001) and community-type (Sobel z =-3.44, p < 0.001) anticipated stigma, and depressive symptoms (Sobel z =-2.80, p = 0.005). Overall, compared to young people diagnosed with HIV before the pandemic, young people diagnosed during the pandemic reported higher self-esteem and lower anticipated stigma, an effect mediated by higher levels of family social support. Our findings add to the literature examining young people's psychosocial well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic and suggests that improvements in family support may have broadly positive effects on multiple indicators of psychosocial well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite their ecological significance, frogs receive far less public support and funding for research and conservation than that afforded to more charismatic animals. An emerging perspective suggests that conservation success is dependent on understanding the cognitive, emotional, and behavioural aspects that impact attitudes and behaviours towards biodiversity. This mixed-methods study attempted to shed light on how three communities in the vicinity of Nature’s Valley in the Western Cape province of South Africa, perceive, interact with, and consider the protection of frogs. Overall, the three communities slightly disliked frogs, however, geo-specific variability between demographic profiles, cultural beliefs and myths, and memorial background evidently strongly impact human-frog interaction and willingness to tolerate and protect them. This complex interplay between cultural and personal factors, as well as grouped bio-spherical values, led to the conclusion that to ensure the success of frog conservation efforts, a generalist approach to pro-frog behavioural change should be followed by focusing on pro-environmental behavior in general first rather than attempting to change a specific aspect of human-frog interaction from the outset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Linezolid, a component of rifampicin-resistant/multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (RR/MDR-TB) treatment, is associated with treatment-limiting toxicities, including anemia. Patient-level and linezolid pharmacokinetic risk factors for anemia have not been well described in children treated for RR/MDR-TB. Methods We evaluated the pharmacokinetics of linezolid and longitudinal hemoglobin data to validate an existing population linezolid pharmacokinetic model. We assessed the impact of linezolid pharmacokinetics and the risk of developing anemia in a prospectively enrolled cohort of children. A previously published population pharmacokinetic linezolid model was validated using nonlinear mixed effects modeling. A multivariable ordinal logistic regression model was built to predict the incidence of anemia. Results A total of 112 children, median age 7.2 years (interquartile range, 2.2–16.3), were included from South Africa (n = 87) and India (n = 25). Of these, 24 children contributed new linezolid pharmacokinetic data. The population pharmacokinetic model, which informs the currently recommended linezolid dosing in children (10–15 mg/kg), was validated with these additional new data. For every 1 g/dL lower baseline hemoglobin level, the odds of developing grade 3 or 4 anemia increased by 2.64 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.98–3.62). For every 1 mg/L × h higher linezolid area under the concentration-time curve, the odds of developing grade 3 or 4 anemia increased by 1.012 (95% CI, 1.007–1.017). Conclusions Taken together, these data confirm currently recommended linezolid doses for children. The risk of anemia in children should be carefully considered and monitored. Initiating linezolid in children with low baseline hemoglobin increases the probability of experiencing grade 3 or 4 anemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cuaternario y Geomorfología is the property of Cuaternario y Geomorfologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Bats are recognized as reservoirs for diverse paramyxoviruses, some of which are closely related to known human pathogens or directly implicated in zoonotic transmission. The emergence of the zoonotic Sosuga virus (SOSV) from Egyptian rousette bats (ERBs), which caused an acute febrile illness in a reported human case in Africa, has increased the focus on the zoonotic potential of the Rubulavirinae subfamily. Previous studies identified human parainfluenza virus 2 (HPIV2)- and mumps (MuV)-related viruses in ERBs from South Africa, with HPIV2-related viruses restricted to gastrointestinal samples, an underexplored target for rubulavirus biosurveillance, suggesting that sample-type bias may have led to their oversight. To address this, we performed a longitudinal analysis of population-level fecal samples from an ERB maternity roost for rubulavirus RNA, employing a broadly reactive hemi-nested RT-PCR assay targeting the polymerase gene. We detected HPIV2- and MuV-related viruses in addition to numerous pararubulaviruses, highlighting significant viral diversity. Temporal analysis of three major clades revealed peaks in rubulavirus shedding that correlated with seasonal environmental changes and host reproductive cycles, although shedding patterns varied between clades. These findings identify specific periods of increased risk for the spillover of bat-associated rubulaviruses to humans, providing critical information for developing targeted mitigation strategies to minimize zoonotic transmission risk within the local community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estuaries are often observed as the boundary between the ocean and the river, separating coastal environments, rather than being seen as a continuum. Owing to insufficient research on demersal fish communities across nearshore marine to estuarine habitats, particularly in South Africa, this study employed a spatial seascape approach, with seasonal sampling of soft-bottom benthic habitats in two permanently open estuaries and the adjacent marine nearshore environment of Algoa Bay on the south coast of South Africa. A total of 790 fish representing 29 species were collected in the marine nearshore, and 6 414 fish (28 species) were caught in the estuarine zone. Two discrete demersal fish assemblages were identified as representing the marine nearshore and estuarine environments. The marine nearshore fish assemblages were dominated by marine species (e.g. Argyrosomus inodorus and Cynoglossus zanzibarensis) that were not recorded in the estuarine environment, whereas marine estuarine-opportunist species (e.g. Pomadasys olivaceus and Galeichthys feliceps) were more abundant in the marine nearshore than in the estuarine environment. The estuaries were dominated by benthic marine estuarine-dependent and marine and estuarine species (e.g. Rhabdosargus holubi, Solea turbynei, Heteromycteris capensis, Psammogobius knysnaensis and Glossogobius callidus). Differences observed in abundance and species richness along the estuarine to marine continuum were primarily related to the salinity gradient. These findings are significant as altered freshwater flows and consequent changes in salinity and productivity can have an impact on the nursery use of both estuaries and the marine nearshore by fish species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: As access to effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) has improved globally, tobacco‐related illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, cancer and chronic respiratory conditions, account for a growing proportion of deaths among people with HIV (PWH). We estimated the impact of tobacco smoking and smoking cessation on life expectancy among PWH in South Africa. Methods: In a microsimulation model, we simulated 18 cohorts of PWH with virologic suppression, each homogenous by sex, initial age (35y/45y/55y) and smoking status (current/former/never). Input parameters were from data sources published between 2008 and 2022. We used South African data to estimate age‐stratified mortality hazard ratios: 1.2−2.3 (females)/1.1−1.9 (males) for people with current versus never smoking status; and 1.0−1.3 (females)/1.0−1.5 (males) for people with former versus never smoking status, depending on age at cessation. We assumed smoking status remains unchanged during the simulation; people who formerly smoked quit at model start. Simulated PWH face a monthly probability of disengagement from care and virologic non‐suppression. In sensitivity analysis, we varied smoking‐associated and HIV‐associated mortality risks. Additionally, we estimated the total life‐years gained if a proportion of all virologically suppressed PWH stopped smoking. Results: Forty‐five‐year‐old females/males with HIV with virologic suppression who smoke lose 5.3/3.7 life‐years compared to PWH who never smoke. Smoking cessation at age 45y adds 3.4/2.4 life‐years. Simulated PWH who continue smoking lose more life‐years from smoking than from HIV (females, 5.3 vs. 3.0 life‐years; males, 3.7 vs. 2.6 life‐years). The impact of smoking and smoking cessation increase as smoking‐associated mortality risks increase and HIV‐associated mortality risks, including disengagement from care, decrease. Model results are most sensitive to the smoking‐associated mortality hazard ratio; varying this parameter results in 1.0−5.1 life‐years gained from cessation at age 45y. If 10−25% of virologically suppressed PWH aged 30−59y in South Africa stopped smoking now, 190,000−460,000 life‐years would be gained. Conclusions: Among virologically suppressed PWH in South Africa, tobacco smoking decreases life expectancy more than HIV. Integrating tobacco cessation interventions into HIV care, as endorsed by the World Health Organization, could substantially improve life expectancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Two compartment (2 C) models of body composition, including Air Displacement Plethysmography (ADP) and Deuterium Dilution (DD), assume constant composition of fat-free mass (FFM), while 3-compartment (3 C) model overcomes some of these assumptions; studies are limited in infants. The objective of the present study is to compare 3 C estimates of body composition in 6-mo. old infants from Australia, India, and South Africa, including FFM density and hydration, compare with published literature and to evaluate agreement of body composition estimates from ADP and DD. Methods: Body volume and water were measured in 176 healthy infants using ADP and DD. 3C-model estimates of fat mass (FM), FFM and its composition were calculated, compared between countries (age and sex adjusted) and with published literature. Agreement between estimates from ADP and DD were compared by Bland–Altman and correlation analyses. Results: South African infants had significantly higher % FM (11.5%) and density of FFM compared to Australian infants. Australian infants had significantly higher % FFM (74.7 ± 4.4%) compared to South African infants (71.4 ± 5.0) and higher FFMI (12.7 ± 0.8 kg/m2) compared to South African (12.3 ± 1.2 kg/m2) and Indian infants (11.9 ± 1.0 kg/m2). FFM composition of present study differed significantly from literature. Pooled three country estimates of FM and FFM were comparable between ADP and DD; mean difference of −0.05 (95% CI: −0.64, +0.55) kg and +0.05 (95% CI: −0.55, +0.64) kg. Conclusions: 3C-model estimates of body composition in infants differed between countries; future studies are needed to confirm these findings and investigate causes for the differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community consultation is necessary to ensure the uptake and use of community-based screening intervention to detect early childhood disabilities, as its absence can result in poor service acceptance and usage. To document stakeholders' perspectives regarding planning a community-based communication disorder (an impairment in the ability to receive, send, process and comprehend concepts or verbal, non-verbal and graphic symbol systems) screening programmes for pre-schoolers. This qualitative research design used purposive and random sampling to recruit 46 participants from eThekwini Municipality, South Africa. These stakeholders consisted of caregivers/parents of children who underwent screening for communication disorders, People who are Deaf, their parents, early childhood development practitioners, health professionals and government officials involved with children with disabilities. All participants were adults aged between 19 and 79 years, with an average age of 39.7 years. Data was collected through focus group discussions and individual interviews, which were thematically analysed. The four emergent themes were screening approaches, methods, location and personnel. Service users expected greater access to screening and reliable tests to identify problems by trained personnel at sites within the community. Service providers preferred a targeted approach to screening with parental input. Task shifting and sharing were seen as a solution to address staff shortages and provide services at health facilities, as resource constraints made it challenging to provide outreach services. Stakeholder engagement revealed diverging views between service users and providers, with implications for programme provision and uptake. There is a need for ongoing, inclusive discussion to ensure consensus during the planning stage, in order to render services that address issues of equity and accessibility for people with disabilities in marginalised communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Given the importance of infancy for establishing growth trajectories, with later-life health consequences, we investigated longitudinal body composition among infants from six economically and ethnically diverse countries. Methods: We recruited mother-infant dyads using the WHO Multicenter Growth Reference Study criteria. We measured fat-free mass (FFM) in 1393 (49% female) infants from birth to 6 months of age (Australia, India, and South Africa; n = 468), 3–24 months of age (Brazil, Pakistan, South Africa, and Sri Lanka; n = 925), and derived fat mass (FM), fat mass index (FMI), and fat-free mass index (FFMI). Height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-age (WAZ), and weight-for-length (WHZ) Z-scores were computed. Sex differences were assessed using a t-test, and country differences using a one-way analysis of covariance. We further compared subsamples of children with average (−0.25 > HAZ < +0.25), below-average (≤−0.25) and above-average (≥+0.25) HAZ. Results: HAZ performed well between 0 and 6 months, but less so between 3 and 24 months. The stunting prevalence peaked at 10.3% for boys and 7.8% for girls, at 24 months. By 24 months, girls had greater FMI (10%) than boys. There were significant differences in FFM (both sexes in all countries) and FM (Brazilian boys, Pakistani and South African girls) by 24 months of age between infants with average, above-average, and below-average HAZ. Conclusion: In a multi-country sample representing more ideal maternal conditions, body composition was heterogeneous even among infants who exhibited ideal length. Having a mean HAZ close to the median of the WHO standard for length reduced FFM between-country heterogeneity but not FM, suggesting that other factors may influence adiposity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lion (Panthera leo) was extirpated from the Cape region of South Africa during the mid-nineteenth century. Whilst historically classified as a distinct subspecies known as the Cape lion (P. l. melanochaita), recent molecular studies challenge the distinctiveness of this population, suggesting that it represents the southernmost population of the species' Southern Clade. The Cape lion is often cited as having a distinctive skull morphology, which has justified its subspecific classification, but only a limited number of specimens have been available for examination, so that the Cape lion's skull morphology has not been satisfactorily understood. In this study we collected morphometric data from a greatly enlarged sample of 22 Cape lion skulls, including 12 adults, constituting the largest sample size analysed for this possible subspecies. The results suggest that (1) morphological characteristics of the skull previously thought to distinguish the Cape lion are not diagnostic, and (2) nor is the skull morphology of male and female Cape lions distinct from that of males and females of other southern African lions. Our results independently support those based on molecular investigations, which suggest that the Cape lion was not distinct from other lions within the Southern Clade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of non-invasive risk scores to detect undiagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2D) ensures the restriction of invasive and costly blood tests to those most likely to be diagnosed with the disease. This study assessed and compared the performance of the African Diabetes Risk Score (ADRS) with three other diabetes risk prediction models for identifying screen-detected diabetes based on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) or glycated haemoglobin (HBA1c). Methods: Age, sex, waist circumference, body mass index, blood pressure, history of diabetes and physical activity levels from the SA-NW-PURE study were used to externally validate the ADRS and other established risk prediction models. Discrimination was assessed and compared using C-statistics and nonparametric methods. Calibration was assessed using calibration plots, before and after recalibration. Results: Nine hundred and thirty-seven participants were included; 14% had prevalent undiagnosed T2D according to FPG and 26% according to HbA1c. Discrimination was acceptable and was mostly similar between models for both diagnostic measures. The C-statistics for diagnosis by FPG ranged from 0.69 for the Simplified FINDRISC model to 0.77 for the ADRS model and 0.77 for the Simplified FINDRISC model to 0.79 for the ADRS model for diagnosis by HbA1c. Calibration ranged from acceptable to good, though over- and underestimation were present. All models improved significantly following recalibration. Conclusions: The models performed comparably, with the ADRS offering a non-invasive way to identify up to 79% of cases. Based on its ease of use and performance, the ADRS is recommended for screening for T2D in certain Black population groups in South Africa. HbA1c as a means of diagnosis also showed comparable performance with FPG. Therefore, further validation studies can potentially use HbA1c as the standard to compare to. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In South Africa, the high rate of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among young people and unplanned pregnancies remains a concern. Using a qualitative approach, this study aimed to explore how young people between 18 and 24 years old perceive the risk of unplanned pregnancy and HIV, and how they give priority to and act to prevent both concerns. Fifty-four young people were recruited from three provinces in South Africa: KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Gauteng. Data collection took place between May and June in 2016. All data collection was carried out in person using a standardised discussion guide and a semi-structured interview guide in English. We conducted eight focus group discussions with young people and three in-depth interviews with young people who had become parents in their teens. We utilised thematic analysis grounded in a social constructionist framework to assess patterns and associations in the data. Respondents reported unplanned pregnancy and HIV as prevalent among their peers, but prioritised both concerns differently. Preventing pregnancy was a greater priority and threat than HIV. Respondents were less concerned about being infected with HIV which was perceived as invisible and not a death sentence because of the efficacy and ease of use of treatment. HIV was considered comparatively more manageable and less burdensome than other chronic illnesses and unplanned pregnancy. Our study suggests unplanned pregnancy and HIV prevention interventions should prioritise responding to young people's primary desire to control their fertility, but also encourage them to have holistic sexual and reproductive health goals that include HIV prevention. Our findings suggest a pressing need for biomedical therapies that offer combined HIV and pregnancy prevention for young people. Future programmes need to be agile and innovative in addressing young people's tendency to prioritise HIV and pregnancy differently, and they need to revive the sense of urgency to prevent HIV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of AIDS & Behavior is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We utilized Global Adult Tobacco Survey data to examine singlestick purchases and related demographic characteristics in 10 African countries (Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Mauritania, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda and Tanzania). Results show the weighted percentages and prevalence ratios with predicted marginal means to evaluate significant differences between groups (P  < 0.05). The prevalence of singlestick purchases among the 10 African countries ranged from 48.4% in South Africa to 92.0% in Tanzania. Across countries, the incidence of singlestick purchases was higher in urban areas than rural areas in Kenya; among those aged 15–24 years versus those aged 45 years and older in Botswana, Ethiopia, Mauritania, Nigeria and South Africa; and among those aged 25–44 years versus those aged 45 years and older in Botswana, South Africa and Tanzania. The incidence in Botswana was higher among adults with no formal or primary education than among those with secondary or higher education. In South Africa, the incidence was higher among adults in the middle or lower wealth index than among those in the high or highest wealth index. The findings suggest opportunities for strengthening efforts to prevent singlestick purchases through effective legislation and enforcement in line with Article 16 of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article seeks to give an overview of public participation in local government, with a focus on the City of Ekurhuleni. City of Ekurhuleni "place of peace" is one of the biggest (8) eight Metropolitan municipalities in South Africa which is located within Gauteng Province which is also known as GCR (Gauteng City Region). It is on record that there are more studies that has been done on public participation in different categories of municipalities in South Africa, including the public participation to the broader citizens within different spheres of government. Therefore, this paper's aim is to outline, analysis and review some of the critical factors which the municipalities must consider towards its initiatives on public participation practices and forums. Some of the key aspects which gives an impactful view are the communication methods used by municipalities, including other spheres of government to reach community members. This paper will also assist in making an impactful assessment on the current trends and best practices within municipalities on how public participation processes are done, whether there is a gap identified which needs both academic and experiential attention thereon. The desktop-based research methods were used in conducting the research by reviewing secondary data which is available from journals. The aforesaid above was done with a view to outline what has been published in terms of the public participation literature, furthermore; there are few published articles which were consulted to get a deeper understanding around public participation achievements and the gaps thereon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a disease of poverty and a significant public health concern in developing countries. There is little data on the profile of RHD in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. Objectives: To describe the demographic, clinical profile, and outcomes of RHD in patients referred to a tertiary cardiology facility in KwaZulu-Natal. Methods: This is a 5-year (2012 - 2016) retrospective analysis of all patients with RHD referred to the cardiology department at Inkosi Albert Central Luthuli Hospital (IALCH). A structured format was used to extract demographic, clinical, echocardiographic and outcome data of 981 eligible patients aged >12 years. Descriptive analysis was used to report on quantitative data and logistic regression was used to identify significant associations and independent variables. Results: The majority of patients were Black (87.9%); the median age was 24 years (IQR 15 - 36 years) and the female to male ratio was 2.3:1. Dyspnoea (92.2%) was the commonest presenting symptom and mitral regurgitation (56.4%) was the commonest valve lesion. The most frequent complications at presentation were atrial fibrillation (AF) (44.9%) followed by heart failure (HF) (28.6%). AF mostly affected the 41 - 60 year age group (OR 2.075, 95% CI 1.22 - 3.52, p=0.007). Compared to the adolescent group (13 -2 0 years), HF was less common in the 21 - 40 years and 41 - 60 years age groups (OR 0.455, 95% CI 0.286 - 0.723, p=001 and OR 0.495, 95% CI 0.288 - 0.852, p=0.011, respectively). Valve replacement was performed in 723 (88.4%) - (mitral valve 62.2%; aortic valve 4.8%; mitral and aortic valves 29%; 3 valve surgeries 4%) - of the 818 patients who had interventional procedures. The mortality rate was high at 20.1%. Mortality was highest in the younger patients (<20 years of age) (p=0.0l6). Predictors of death were severe disease at a young age (OR 1.268, 95% CI 1.050 -1.532, p=0.0l3) and double valve replacement (OR 1.521, 95% CI 1.009 - 2.229, p=0.045). Conclusion: RHD remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in KZN. HF during the teenage years reflects ongoing carditis with haemodynamic failure resulting in death if unoperated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Names are important in our daily lives. They are not just labels used for the owners, but have cultural and traditional connotations in the African context. Names are used to identify their bearers. Names are cryptic, terse statements that act as discourses expressing people's life experiences. To Africans, the meanings of personal names include the name-bearers' and name-givers' aspirations, anxieties and goals. This article uses sociocultural theory with the aim to analyse the influence of Afrikaans on personal names given to Basotho in South Africa. This article followed a qualitative research approach and a case study design, where purposive sampling was used to collect data through semi-structured interviews with four people who identify as Basotho. Content analysis was used to look at the data. This article comes to the conclusion that the names Oupa, Ouma, Papi, and Mamikie are given in honour of parents and grandparents since the Basotho believe that they cannot use the name of an elderly person, especially those that have passed away. Such names are also given based on such families' belief that their deceased family members live on through their children, hence naming them after the deceased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adoption of a multilingual educational system in South Africa necessitates translation services, as the diverse official languages that are spoken in South Africa and their attendant cultures rarely have conceptual equivalents. The paucity of conceptual equivalents in natural sciences like geography calls for strategies on how to equate concepts ideologically and semantically between languages such as English and Tshivenḓa. Hence, this article analyses the translation strategies applied when translating Grade 4 geography concepts from English into Tshivenḓa. A qualitative phenomenology inquiry is used. The data were examined using inductive thematic analysis. Skopos and the Scan and Balance theories served as the theoretical framework. It was found that the translators used paraphrasing, more general words, related words, transliteration and omission as strategies to attain equivalence. This article provides translators with relevant and applicable translation strategies to address the non-equivalence between English and Tshivenḓa Grade 4 geography terminologies. It prompts the Department of Education to implement the Language-in-Education Policy and translate subjects such as Grade 4 geography from English into Tshivenḓa by demonstrating the feasibility of the suggested translation strategies. The findings may also contribute to the development of Tshivenḓa, one of South Africa's minority languages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In South Africa (SA) more than 25.7 million people are at risk of infection and over four million people are expected to be infected with the disease. Using secondary data, the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis was determined retrospectively in KwaNobuhle between 2014 and 2018. Data were obtained from the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) of Nelson Mandela Bay Health District (NMBHD). The findings revealed that there was no significant difference between prevalence and year (p=0.092). The prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in 2014 was 14 (13%), which increased to 18 (17%), 24 (22%), and 31 (29%) in 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively; however, it declined to 20 (19%) in 2018. It was further observed that there was a significant (p=<0.0005, V= 0.33 medium) difference found in the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis infection among males and females from KwaNobuhle. Urinary schistosomiasis infection was higher among males 99 (93%) than females 6 (6%). Furthermore, the highest rate of disease infection was found in individuals between the ages of 10 and 19 years (p<0.0005, V=0.43 medium). There was no significant difference (p=0.156) in the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis relative to the season over the five years. The results revealed that the rate of urinary schistosomiasis infections within the study area, although not statistically significant, showed an increase from 2014 to 2017 but declined in 2018. It was further found that males had a higher percentage of infections than females, and the highest rate of infections was found in individuals between the ages of 10 and 19 years. Therefore, effective prevention, control, and intervention programs are urgently needed to eliminate schistosomiasis from the study area and avoid possible resurgence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wetland delineation in South Africa incorporates soil form and soil wetness indicators, requiring formal soil classification and description of soil redox morphology. The current wetland definition used administratively in South Africa focuses on saturated (hydric) soil signatures within plant root zones. Saturated soil horizons deeper than plant root zones fall outside the 50 cm criterion in the local approach as well as the accepted zone in USA literature. The field of hydropedology accommodates the classification of the various hydrologically active horizons and provides a tool for the handling of horizons with ephemeral wetness. This approach has been variably accepted by mandated authorities in South Africa. The South African soil classification system has evolved through three editions over the past 50 years while retaining the same redox morphology understanding. However, despite the concepts and context of redox morphology having been thoroughly technically adopted by soil scientists, this is not the case within the wetland research and management environment. This especially because the classification system is structured differently from other international systems, and the South African landscape is geologically ancient with mature soils, introducing challenges to resource assessment specialists who rely on international norms and approaches for wetland assessment. This paper reviews the various components of soil classification and redox morphology based on Fe and Mn minerals within the context of the South African soil classification system, the field of hydropedology and wetland delineation indicators. We provide a qualitative correlation between the various diagnostic horizons and materials in the system and their related redox morphology contexts that are relevant to wetland assessment, delineation, and protection in South Africa. This paper therefore aims to serve as a reference point for the description and correlation of various soil hydrological parameters used in formal assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Considerable progress has been made in the surveying, taxonomy, screening, mass production and formulation of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) and their associated symbiotic bacteria in South Africa. Steinernema yirgalemense isolate 157-C is one of the most promising native EPN candidates with regards to virulence, its broad insect-host spectrum, and can be readily mass-produced and formulated into a commercial product. The banded fruit weevils, Phlyctinus callosus sensu stricto and Phlyctinus xerophilus , previously grouped together under the Phlyctinus callosus sensu lato species concept, are native entimine weevils of economic importance to deciduous fruit, grapevine and berries in the Western Cape province of South Africa. This study investigated potential differences in baseline susceptibility of larvae and pupae of the two weevil species to S. yirgalemense in laboratory screenings. The test arena used was 24-well bioassay plates, with an inoculation concentration of 200 infective juveniles (IJ) insect−1 for larvae and 100 IJ insect−1 for pupae. Infection was determined 48 h and 96 h after inoculation. Field-efficacy of S. yirgalemense , applied at a concentration of 60 IJ cm−2, against larvae of the two weevil species was determined in an ecologically relevant semi-field trial. In all cases in vitro mass-produced IJ of S. yirgalemense were used. No baseline differential susceptibility between P. callosus and P. xerophilus larvae was obtained in laboratory screenings. Phlyctinus pupae were approximately twice as susceptible compared to larvae, with significant differences between bioassay batches. Approximately 45% control of P. xerophilus larvae was obtained after 96 h of exposure to S. yirgalemense in the field, differing significantly from the control and P. callosus treatment. Low levels of Phlyctinus larval infection by native EPN (confirmed as Heterorhabditis bacteriophora from one P. xerophilus cadaver) occurred in both control and EPN treatment groups under field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phlyctinus callosus and P. xerophilus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) are two cryptic species of native entimine weevils, previously grouped together under the P. callosus sensu lato concept, that are pests of economic importance to the deciduous fruit and vine industry in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Laboratory bioassays were conducted using entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) isolates of Beauveria and entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), Heterorhabditis indica and Steinernema yirgalemense, to determine differences in susceptibility of adult P. callosus and P. xerophilus to potential biological control agents. The test arena used was 24‐well bioassay plates with an inoculation rate of 200 infective juveniles (IJs)/insect for EPNs and 5 × 105 conidia/insect for EPF. Insects were inoculated using a 12.7 mm filter paper impregnated with 50 μL of entomopathogen suspension. Infection was determined after 96 h incubation for EPNs through dissection of cadavers. Insects inoculated with EPF were incubated in the wells for 18 days and mortality recorded daily. Cadavers were surface sterilized and observed for overt mycosis. Differential susceptibility between P. callosus and P. xerophilus was observed in EPF but not in EPN bioassays. Differential susceptibility to EPF could be due to methodology. Low adult weevil pathogenicity was found for all entomopathogens, with variable results obtained from different bioassay batches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency deficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic have left an overwhelming impact on communities worldwide, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where its effects on family structures are particularly pronounced. Caregivers of HIV/AIDS orphans encounter challenges in fulfilling their caring duties. Consequently, they rely on the outreach team leaders (OTLs) for support to care for HIV/AIDS orphans. Aim: This study aimed to explore and describe support provided by OTLs to caregivers of HIV/AIDS orphans in the North West Province of South Africa. Methods: The exploratory, descriptive, and contextual design meaning the study was conducted was in the contexts where caregivers of HIV/AIDS orphans reside. The study was conducted in five local municipalities in the Ngaka Modiri Molema district of the North West Province of South Africa. Ward-based outreach nurses were participants in the study. Semi-structured focus group interviews were used for data collection. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data. Throughout the study, ethical principles were adhered to. The study also adhered to four trustworthiness principles: credibility, confirmability, transferability, and dependability. Results: Three main themes emerged from this study: the conduction of home visits to caregivers of HIV/AIDS orphans, the coordination of a multidisciplinary team for support, and the facilitation of support groups. Conclusions: This study revealed that that caregivers of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS benefitted from the support provided by OTLs in the North West province of South Africa. The support provided by OTLs harnessed positive relationship between caregivers and children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Critically endangered Hooded Vultures (Necrosyrtes monachus Temminck, 1823), like many vulture species globally, are experiencing rapid population declines due to anthropogenic factors such as poisonings, human persecution, trading for belief-based use, and habitat loss/degradation. The Hooded Vulture is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa. Although it is considered one of the most abundant vultures in West Africa, this vulture species is less common in East and southern Africa, with the population at the southern-most edge of the distribution (in South Africa and Eswatini) estimated at only 100–200 mature individuals. The distribution of Hooded Vultures has contracted dramatically in southern Africa, with breeding populations largely confined to protected areas such as the Greater Kruger National Park. This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of the southern African range-edge population and assess if the recent contraction in the distribution has resulted in the population experiencing a genetic bottleneck. Sixteen microsatellite loci were amplified for samples collected along the Olifants River in the Greater Kruger National Park (n = 30). The genetic diversity in the South African population was compared to samples (n = 30) collected in Ghana, where Hooded Vultures are more abundant. Contrary to expectations, the South African peripheral Hooded Vulture population showed higher levels of heterozygosity (HO = 0.495) than the Ghanaian population (HO = 0.315). Neither population showed signs of recent bottleneck events when tested using demographic modelling and Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC). However, both populations showed high levels of inbreeding and relatedness. Our results suggest that despite being a small peripheral population, the South African Hooded Vulture population showed a similar level of genetic diversity as individuals sampled from a core population within the species distribution (in Ghana). This study supports the need for Hooded Vulture conservation efforts in the southern African region and highlights the evolutionary importance of range-edge populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African swine fever (ASF) is a deadly hemorrhagic disease of domestic and wild swine that was first described in the early 20th century after the introduction of European pigs to Kenya. The etiological agent, the African swine fever virus (ASFV), is a large DNA virus within the Asfarviridae family that is broadly categorized epidemiologically into genotypes based on the nucleotide sequence of B646L, the gene encoding the major capsid protein p72. ASF outbreaks in Africa have been linked historically to 25 genotypes by p72 nucleotide analysis and, recently, to 6 genotypes by amino acid comparison, whereas global outbreaks of ASF outside of Africa have only been linked to 2 genotypes: genotype I, which led to an outbreak in Europe during the 1960s that later spread to South America, and genotype II, responsible for the current pandemic that began in Georgia in 2007 and has since spread to Europe, Asia, and Hispaniola. Here, we present an analysis of the genome of ASFV Spencer, an isolate that was collected in 1951 near Johannesburg, South Africa. While nucleotide analysis of Spencer indicates the p72 coding sequence is unique, differentiating from the closest reference by five nucleotides, the predicted amino acid sequence indicates that it is 100% homologous to contemporary genotype 1. Full genome analysis reveals it is more similar to Mkuzi1979 and encodes genes that share similarity with either genotype 1 or genotype 2 outbreak strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study emphasizes the critical role of antioxidants in protecting human health by counteracting the detrimental effects of oxidative stress induced by free radicals. Antioxidants—found in various forms such as vitamins, minerals, and the phytochemicals abundant in fruits and vegetables—neutralize free radicals by stabilizing them through electron donation. Specifically, flavonoid compounds are highlighted as robust defenders, addressing oxidative stress and inflammation to avert chronic illnesses like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. This research explores the bioactive potential of flavonoids, shedding light on their role not only in safeguarding health, but also in managing conditions such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. This review highlights the novel integration of South African-origin flavonoids with nanotechnology, presenting a cutting-edge strategy to improve drug delivery and therapeutic outcomes. This interdisciplinary approach, blending traditional wisdom with contemporary techniques, propels the exploration of flavonoid-mediated nanoparticles toward groundbreaking pharmaceutical applications, promising revolutionary advancements in healthcare. This collaborative synergy between traditional knowledge and modern science not only contributes to human health, but also underscores a significant step toward sustainable and impactful biomedical innovations, aligning with principles of environmental conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the prevalence and subtypes of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia (OSSN) in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive and negative patients in South Africa. Basic procedures: This study was a single center retrospective cross-sectional study, conducted at Tygerberg Hospital, Western Cape, South Africa. We assessed 63 histopathologically confirmed OSSN formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks from 2015–2023. The presence of HPV was determined using the Hybrispot Direct Flow Chip Kit. Corresponding clinical data was retrieved from the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) central data warehouse. Main findings: Of the confirmed OSSN samples, 66.7% tested positive for HPV (95% confidence interval [CI] 54–77.3%). Of the 42 HPV positive samples, 38 (90.5%) had one or more known genotypes detected and 4 had unknown genotypes. The most prevalent subtypes were HPV 11, 16 and 18 (found in 61.9%, 52.4% and 33.3% of HPV positive samples respectively). 88.9% of the lesions biopsied were from HIV positive patients, of whom 56.4% had a CD4 + count of < 200 cells/µL. A lower median CD4 + count was detected among HIV positive patients with invasive squamous cell carcinoma compared to those with moderate dysplasia (p < 0.0198). Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of HPV in OSSN in South Africa. Certain subtypes namely, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33 and 35 may be more carcinogenic. HIV with HPV co-infection may be linked as a causative factor in the development of OSSN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South Africa's efforts toward eliminating malaria have positioned the country in the pre-elimination stage. Imported and sub-microscopic cases still contribute to the persistence of malaria in regions of low transmission as identified in this study where diagnostics is built largely on the use of Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT). However, the presence of Pfhrp2/3 gene deletion is known to interfere with the accuracy of diagnosis with the use of RDT. Malaria elimination and detection of Pfhrp2/3 gene deletion in the pre-elimination setting requires accurate molecular surveillance. With the core objective of this study being the determination of the presence sub-microscopic malaria cases and deleted Pfhrp2/3 gene markers, a total of 354 samples were collected from five districts of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. These samples were prepared for molecular analysis using primers and PCR conditions specific for amplification of 18S rRNA and msp-1gene. Positive amplicons were analysed for the presence of Pfhrp2/3 and flanking genes, along with Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic studies. Out of 354 samples collected 339 were tested negative with PfHRP2 based RDTs. Of these Pfhrp2 and Pfhrp3 gene deletions were confirmed in 94.7% (18/19) and 100% (19/19) respectively. High migration rate (75%) among the study participants was noted and phylogenetic analysis of sequenced isolates showed close evolutionary relatedness with India, United Kingdom, Iran, and Myanmar and China isolates. Molecular-based test is recommended as an essential surveillance tool for malaria management programs as the target focuses on elimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]